Teen Suspect Accused in String of Carjackings

DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson decided to keep a young carjacking defendant in jail to ensure the safety of the community on Dec. 2.

Andre Whitfield, 17, is charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of armed carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in incidents that occurred on June 8 at the intersection of Georgia Avenue and W Street, NW and on June 10 on the 200 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW.

Whitfield is being charged as an adult under Title 16 which allows prosecutors latitude in more serious cases.

A detective explained they used CCTV footage to track individuals on mopeds who were leaving and returning to the apartment complex where the defendant lives. This occurred for several incidents where the group left, allegedly performed a carjacking of another moped or scooter used in deliveries, and returned to the apartment complex with the vehicles.

On June 8, six individuals were seen leaving and returning on mopeds. Two incidents occurred that day, only one of which Whitfield is charged with. Defense attorney Steven Roman alleged that the victims had both only said two people carjacked them, meaning at most four people had actually performed the carjacking. He claimed that the detective could not know if Whitfield was one of the four who participated in the carjacking.

However, footage from the same day showed all six individuals removing objects from the allegedly stolen moped, including the victim’s phone, which was later found by police. This, the detective claimed, proved Whitfield’s involvement.

Neither victim from the June 8 incidents identified their carjackers. However, Whitfield identified himself in surveillance footage to police by a black hoodie he was wearing.

On June 10, two scooters left with three people on them. Three scooters returned with four people. Whitfield is allegedly the driver of one of the scooters, with someone behind him also on the moped. Once again, he had identified himself to the detective in a still from the footage.

After the carjacking on the tenth, the group was seen in CCTV footage riding the mopeds around the area of the apartment complex. The detective said she could not know for certain if Whitfield was riding a stolen moped.

Roman pointed out that none of the victims identified any of the suspects as their carjackers. However, Whitfield fit many of the descriptions provided, most of which included a young Black male of thin build, between the ages of 16 and 20.

A search of the apartment where Whitfield lived allegedly led police to discover a black handgun from under his mattress. The weapon was an enhanced ghost gun, which was loaded when the gun was recovered. There was additional ammunition found in the home.

The prosecution argued that probable cause was evident. She claimed that Whitfield was aiding and abetting as the driver of the mopeds before and after the incidents and that he likely knew they were armed due to the number of incidents, including those Whitfield is not charged for. She also pointed out that Whitfield identified himself as part of the group twice.

Roman claimed there was no probable cause, as there is no evidence that Whitfield was present at the carjackings. He said that the detective’s investigation only proved that he had left and returned to an apartment complex where he lived with his parents.

Judge Dayson noted that the affidavit the detective had written and adopted as part of her testimony explained that video footage showed the group surrounding the victim on June 10, clearly demonstrating that Whitfield had at least aided and abetted the group.

She found probable cause and held Whitfield, despite arguments from the defense to release the defendant and provide restrictions so that he could only travel between work and school. Due to the what the prosecution says are the number of carjackings and the weapon found in the home where Whitfield was living, Dayson expressed that she could not fashion conditions that would ensure the safety of the community.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 5.

Document: MPD Searching for Suspect in Southeast Shooting

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced they are seeking assistance in identifying a suspect involved in a shooting on Aug. 16 in Southeast. The suspect attempted to rob a victim inside a business on the 4600 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE, brandished a handgun, and shot the victim as they fled. The victim survived and was treated at a local hospital. The suspect was captured on surveillance video.

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Stabbing Fellow Inmates

A stabbing defendant pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited weapon and stabbing two other inmates in the DC Jail before DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on Dec. 3.

Valentino Allen, 35, was originally charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful introduction of contraband into a penal institution, and carrying a dangerous weapon outside a home or place of business for his alleged involvement in a stabbing at the DC Jail on the 1900 block of D Street, SE on Jan. 25, 2024.

During his Dec. 3 hearing, Allen entered into an agreement with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to three misdemeanor charges for his involvement in the stabbing. Allen pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon and two counts of simple assault. The maximum sentence for the prohibited weapon charges is one year incarceration and the assault charges each carry a maximum penalty of 180 days incarceration.

Prosecutors said that had the case gone to trial, they would have proven to a jury that Allen waited for a guard to open the door to the victims’ cell before rushing in and stabbing both inmates several times in the upper body with a knife. Both victims were taken to a hospital for treatment following the incident.

Parties will reconvene for sentencing Jan. 27.

No-Show Stabbing Defendant Not Mentally Competent to Stand Trial

A stabbing defendant was found not mentally competent to stand trial before DC Superior Court Judge Robert Salerno on Dec. 2.

William Clark, 45, is charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a stabbing on the 1600 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW on Sept. 9, 2023. One person was injured during the incident.

Clark is alleged to have stabbed one person in the abdomen because the victim was standing near his e-bike, according to court documents.

He was set to go to trial on Oct. 21, but did not show up to court on the day of jury selection and has since been re-arrested on a bench warrant, where he was evaluated by the Department of Behavioral Services (DBH) on Nov. 26. The results of his evaluation showed that Clark was not mentally competent to stand trial.

No one objected to the recommendations from the DBH report during the Dec. 2 hearing, and the parties, including Judge Salerno, agreed to send Clark to Saint. Elizabeth’s Hospital for a full psychiatric evaluation.

To stand trial, a defendant must understand the charges against him and be prepared to help his lawyer.

Parties are slated to reconvene Jan. 16.

Parties in Carjacking Case Explore Alford Plea

DC Superior Court Carmen McLean was notified that parties for a carjacking case were exploring the possibility of an Alford plea on Dec. 2.

Zyon Prince, 19, is charged with unarmed carjacking for his alleged involvement in stealing a moped on the 1100 block of T Street, NW, on March 24.

Prince’s attorney, Raymond Jones, and the prosecutor alerted Judge McLean that the parties were exploring the possibility of an Alford plea, which means the defendant agrees the prosecution’s evidence against him would end in a conviction, but maintains his innocence.

The parties requested additional time to concur.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Jan. 20.

Document: MPD Arrests Suspect in Southern Avenue Homicide

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced the arrest of Alvin Young Jr., 47, in connection with a fatal shooting on March 19, 2022, in Southeast. The victim, identified as 28-year-old Mark Cobrand Jr., was found with gunshot wounds in a vehicle on the 4200 block of Southern Avenue, SE. Young has been charged with First-Degree Murder while Armed.

Judge Releases Homicide Defendant to Home Confinement

DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan released a defendant on Nov. 19 to home confinement in a parking garage homicide case.

Lavar Hunter, 21, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, attempt to commit robbery, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Anwar Wingate on the 2100 block of 8th Street, NW, on Nov 19, 2023.

According to court documents, Wingate died from a single bullet to his neck while in a parking garage.

During the hearing, Judge Ryan granted the defense attorney J.C. Boggs’ motion for release after receiving additional information from the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA). Boggs was standing in for Hunter’s assigned attorney, James King.

A representative from PSA was able to assure that the home confinement location was confirmed, the owner of the property granted permission, and that all parties understood the responsibilities involved with the GPS monitor maintenance.

Judge Ryan informed the court that this was a serious crime and not a decision that he made lightly. However, he based his decision on the compromise between public safety and not unjustly holding someone beyond what is legally permitted.

Judge Ryan also recognized that past judges have denied the motion for release for Hunter twice before. However, he maintained that he must make decisions based on his own interpretation of the facts of the case.

Judge Ryan warned Hunter that he must follow the rules of the home confinement to maintain public safety. If he is able to do so, Judge Ryan explained that he would consider possible expanding his home confinement conditions.

The prosecution argued that they would not like to provide a list of witnesses for a stay away-order to protect the witnesses.

Judge Ryan asked Hunter to not contact anyone involved in the case in person, through the phone, or through a third party. Judge Ryan will re-evaluate Hunter if any issues arise.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

Infanticide Defendant Pleads Not Guilty at Arraignment, Denied Release

DC Superior Court Judge Todd Edelman denied the release of a homicide defendant on Dec. 2, after he pleaded not guilty to all charges.

James Crawley, 31, is charged with first-degree murder-felony murder with aggravating circumstances, and child cruelty for his alleged involvement in the death of three-year-old Zy’Onne Forney. She was smothered to death on May 8, 2024, at the 1400 block of L Street, SE.

During the hearing, Terrence Austin, Crawley’s attorney, alerted the court of his intent to plead not guilty to all charges and asserted his constitutional rights to a speedy trial.

The prosecutor argued that Crawley should continue to be held as he awaits further proceedings, because the grand jury found probable cause with aggravating factors in this case. Additionally, she alleged that all of the evidence in this case points to Crawley, including actions taken by the defendant to evade responsibility.

According to the prosecution, following the incident, Crawley cut off all of his hair, was jumping fences to avoid being arrested, and checked himself into a mental hospital. Furthermore, the defendant has a history of bench warrants, which according to prosecutors is evidence of his being a flight risk.

The prosecutor claimed that even with inconsistent statements from witnesses, Crawley should not be released on the sheer amount of evidence that they have against him and the possible danger he poses to the community.

Austin argued that evidence the prosecution has for the defendant’s culpability comes from witnesses who have potential bias and are not credible. Austin stated that Crawley’s friend claimed that the defendant confessed to him on the day of the incident, but video surveillance placed the defendant still at the incident address when this confession allegedly occurred.

Additionally, Forney’s mother provided three separate and differing accounts of the incident. According to Austin, the mom first stated she was responsible for it, having rolled over on the victim in her sleep.

She later changed her story, claiming Crawley was responsible and that he informed her that the victim was dead. Finally, Austin claimed, she last told prosecutors that Crawley caused the death, but completely changed the story of how it happened.

Austin claimed that in addition to the differing statements, the mother has a possible bias. According to Austin, there was an arrest warrant for her in connection to possible abuse or neglect of her children.

The defendant has no prior felony convictions, only misdemeanors, and none of which are considered serious offenses, according to the defense. Further arguments claimed that Crawley’s attorney could connect him with resources available through the Public Defender Services (PDS), that would reasonably ensure that the defendant would show up to court and not pose a threat to the community.

Judge Edelman ruled in favor of holding Crawley. He stated that there was no reasonable set of conditions that he could fashion that would reasonably ensure the safety of the community and assure the defendant would show up to court. He made this decision based on the bench warrant history and the seriousness of the crime.

Parties are slated to reconvene Dec. 18.

Homicide Trial Delayed Despite Nine Month Mental Evaluation

A jury trial involving a homicide among other shootings that occurred at a DC metro station was delayed before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Dec. 1. The issue is whether the defendant is mentally competent to understand the proceedings, or if not coul his competency be restored.

Isaiah Trotman, 34, is charged with first-degree murder while armed, 27 counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, 13 counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and 13 counts of kidnapping while armed.

The prosecution says he’s allegedly involvement in a shooting at the Potomac Avenue Metro Station, located on the 1400 block of Potomac Avenue, SE, on Feb. 1, 2023. The shooting fatally injured 64-year-old Robert Cunningham, and left three others with life-threatening injuries.

A jury trial, which was slated to begin on Jan. 12, was delayed after Judge Ryan informed the court that doctors from the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) requested forty-five to sixty more days to complete their mental examination of Trotman.

DBH doctors said they had already evaluated Trotman several times, but needed to test him again for accuracy.

Judge Ryan inquired when the parries would be able to start trial given the DBH’s request for more time.

The prosecution stated, “There is absolutely no way we can be ready in January.”

The prosecution explained that they need to receive all the evidence they are entitled to in order to begin trial, including the report from DBH and the defense.

Ashley Prather, who was the stand-in defense attorney for Joseph Yarbough, stated, “the prosecution already has a good amount of evidence.”

The prosecution argued, “Yes, we have some evidence, but we don’t have all the evidence.”

Judge Ryan suggested starting the trial in March of 2026, but the prosecution argued, “Considering it has now taken DBH nine months to complete an examination, the prosecution would need about the same time to go through all the materials.”

Judge Ryan replied, “the fact that it took DBH nine months does not strike me as a reasonable argument for why the prosecution can’t be ready for trial.”

Ultimately, a new trial date was not confirmed.

Parties are slated to reconvene on Feb. 6, 2026 to discuss the report from DBH and set a new trial date.

Phone Records, Photo Evidence Said to Tie Multi-Defendants to Carjacking Conspiracy

Objections over message and iCloud data were the focus of proceedings as twenty pictures taken from defendants’ phones were considered for their probative value before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Dec. 1.

Irshaad Ellis-Bey, 20, Isaiah Flowers, 20, Taj Giles, 20, Bryon Gillum, 20, Jahkai Goff, 21, Jaelen Jordan, 20, and Warren Montgomery, 20, are charged with conspiracy, trafficking stolen property, two counts of armed carjacking, two counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of robbery while armed. These charges stem from the group’s alleged involvement in a series of armed carjackings and the subsequent distribution of the stolen vehicles between February and May of 2023.

One of the carjackings occurred on Feb. 27, 2023, at the intersection of 20th Street and Sunderland Place, NW. Another carjacking took place at the intersection of K and 8th Street, NE, on April 27, 2023.

Additionally, Ellis-Bey, Flowers, Giles, Gillum, Goff, and Jordan are charged with two additional counts of unauthorized use of a vehicle, two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, armed carjacking of a senior citizen, receiving stolen property of $1000 or more, and robbery of a senior citizen while armed. These charges stem from their alleged involvement in a carjacking that occurred on the 600 block of Butternut Street, NW, on May 16, 2023.

Four photos that prosecutors stated depict Gillum wearing latex gloves were admitted. Donna Beasley, attorney for Goff, and Stephen LoGerfo, attorney for Montgomery, argued that it was impossible to ID the person in the photos since you can only see a hand. The prosecution argued that two of the pictures show continuity of attire and can be confirmed as Gillum since they came from his phone on the day of one of the incidents. The prosecution was also allowed to admit two similar photos from April of 2023.

Group photos depicting the defendants and other associates were not admitted after an objection from Beasley. She stated that hand signs made by the defendants could be interpreted as gang signs and would thus be prejudicial to include. Kravitz advised the prosecution to blur out the hands on the photos if they wanted to admit them into evidence.

Multiple photos of Jordan were admitted, which the prosecution stated showed him wearing shoes, clothing, and a ski mask consistent with footage of a suspect during one of the incidents. They also stated that he could be seen in the apartment where police recovered multiple firearms. Judge Kravitz cautioned the prosecution that “You cannot argue it is the same face mask, only that the image is consistent.”

Screenshots of a news broadcast about the arrest of multiple defendants were not allowed into evidence. The prosecution argued that the screenshots of the event show a connection between Jordan and the individuals arrested in connection with the conspiracy. Judge Kravitz concurred with LoGerfo that the depiction of an arrest warrant for Montgomery in the screenshot is too prejudicial to admit.

The morning session concluded with the prosecution’s offer proffer that a police officer would be able to testify about the meaning of slang words used throughout the evidence related to the case. They cited King v. US when arguing that familiarity with a region and age group can satisfy the requirement to testify about this information without needing a qualified expert on the subject. Kravitz agreed that he would be allowed to testify but that a proper basis would need to be established before they decided whether questioning could proceed.

The prosecution also called on a special agent from the military who had been working with federal investigators for more than four years. He explained that he works on digital evidence, such as phones and computers, and that he is certified to extract and study this information. He described his past work overseas and at a training center in the United States. He also explained how a program used for phone extractions can pull data like call logs, messages, photos, and locations.

The prosecutors asked him about several phones that were taken as evidence. He checked the reports to make sure they matched the devices. He confirmed that the extraction reports showed photos from the phones, debit card images, screenshots of money-transfer apps, pictures of car information, a report related to DNA testing, and contact lists.

Many exhibits were shown and admitted as he verified each one, including a video of a luxury car and more photos of cash and guns. The court also looked at a device report for another phone that included a message thread between two people. The prosecutors also showed backup files that contained messages linked to an address on Florida Avenue, which prosecutors have claimed was the defendants’ headquarters. Parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 2.

Despite Job Loss Threat Stabbing Suspect Jailed

A stabbing defendant waived his rights to a preliminary hearing and was denied release on Dec. 2 before DC Superior Court Judge Eric Glover.

Gerald Roseby, 49, is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for his alleged involvement in a non-fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1500 block of Kenilworth Avenue, NE on Nov. 26. One individual sustained injuries.

Defense attorney Derrick Page waived Roseby’s the hearing, despite the prosecution’s suggestion of a continuance to formulate a preliminary plea deal. The decision stemmed from Page’s desire to argue for Roseby’s immediate release.

Page argued Roseby should be released due to his “minimal” and “decades old” criminal history. The defendant is a life-long DC resident and has a stable home.

Moreover, Roseby is in jeopardy of losing his long-term job if he stays in jail and can’t show up for work. Page also alleged the victim initiated the altercation by confronting Roseby, who also sustained a wound on his finger from the incident.

The defense suggested GPS tracking or home confinement, with an exception for his job, to ensure the safety of the community.

The prosecution argued the stabbing was a “gruesome” and had video of injuries sustained. They claimed Roseby has a violent history, which was showcased in this violent assault where Roseby allegedly swung a knife at the victim.

Judge Glover agreed with the prosecution, continuing Roseby’s hold.

The judge labeled the offense “concerning” and claimed it has the potential to turn into a conviction of domestic assault or assault threat.

The recording of the stabbing was additionally referenced by the judge as Roseby is allegedly seen punching, kicking and dragging the victim on the floor. Roseby then allegedly stabbed the victim’s midsection while they were on the ground. This, explained Judge Glover, indicates Roseby poses a danger to the community.

The parties are slated to reconvene on Dec. 16.

Three Officer Involved Shootings Among Seven Homicides in November

According to D.C. Witness data, there were seven reported homicides killing an equal number of victims in November. Out of those reported incidents, three were officer related shootings: two involved Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers fatally wounding suspects and one involved a suspect allegedly killing one National Guard officer and wounding another.

On Nov. 17, according to court documents, MPD officers were patrolling the 4700 block of Minnesota Avenue, NE after multiple reports of sounds of gunfire in the area. While patrolling, they encountered David Childs, 25, who had a firearm tucked into his waistband.

Officers issued multiple commands to stop, according to police documents, but Childs refused to comply and reached into his waist band. Officers shot Childs and he was pronounced dead by emergency responders at the scene.

According to MPD, all officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave and the Internal Affairs Bureau is independently reviewing the incident.

Likewise, on Nov. 14, officers responded to a call from a beneficiary of a civil protection order at the 4400 block of Reservoir Street, NW. When reaching the residence, the officers saw Kevin Booker, 41, inside the residence and made several attempts to get Booker to exit the residence.

An MPD investigation prior to what became a fatal encounter revealed Booker violated another civil protection order in the same building. Based on this information, MPD arrested Booker.

In the new encounter, officers eventually entered the residence and announced their presence. Booker allegedly lunged at officers with a knife and screwdriver in his hands when officers fatally shot him. Booker was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to MPD, all officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave and the Internal Affairs Bureau is independently reviewing the incident.

On Nov. 26, police allege while National Guard officers were patrolling the intersection of 17th and I Street NW, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, shot and injured two National Guard officers. Of the two officers shot, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at a hospital. Another National Guard officer shot Lakanwal who required hospitalization

Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm. He’s been denied release and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 14, 2026.

Mentally Competent Homicide Defendant Returns to Jail

A homicide defendant was declared competent and transferred from a mental health facility to the DC Jail in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Neal Kravitz on Nov. 21.

Dayshawn Nolan, 22, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in an arson that killed Antoinette Davis on the 400 block of Condon Terrace, SE, on July 3, 2022.

During the hearing, parties discussed whether Nolan should be transferred from Saint Elizabeth, a mental health facility that evaluates and treats DC Jail patinets.

The prosecution argued that they wanted to follow the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)’s recommendation and send Nolan back to the DC Jail.

Defense attorney Joseph Yarbough opposed the transfer, arguing that the DC Jail would be unable to provide the continued mental health treatment that Nolan needed to sustain competence. Yarbough requested additional time to get an expert report that would explain why Nolan should stay at Saint Elizabeths instead.

A DBH representative appearing online told the court that the agency could send someone to meet weekly with Nolan at the jail to ensure he maintains his competence. Both parties agreed to the solution.

Parties are set to return on Jan. 23.

Defendant in Toddler’s Murder Granted Release to Look For Work

Defense attorney Kevin Mosley requested that a homicide defendant’s 24-hour home confinement be lifted in a hearing before DC Superior Court Judge Michael Ryan on Dec. 1.

Wayne Blake, 24, is charged with first-degree murder of a victim who was especially vulnerable due to age or physical infirmity and two counts of cruelty to children for his alleged involvement in the fatal beating of 18-month-old Journee Moore, on Sept. 28, 2024 on the 3700 block of Connecticut Avenue, NW.

At the hearing, Mosely entered a plea of not guilty to the charges on Blake’s behalf. Additionally, Mosely requested that all of the prosecution’s discovered evidence be provided to the defense.

The prosecution stated that all the information had been sent to the defense except grand jury testimony from a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) detective.

Additionally, Mosley discussed the conditions of Blake’s release and he argued that there has been no issues of curfew violations or rearrests. A Pretrial Service Agency (PSA) representative, who was virtually present, supported Mosley’s argument, stating that Blake had been in compliance with his conditions of release, and there were no violations from his stay-away order.

Mosley explained that Blake needs to find employment. “Mr. Blake was working for DoorDash, but he needs a full-time job to be able to provide for his family,” Mosley stated.

The prosecution opposed Blake the request arguing that “these are very serious charges. He is not supposed to be around children, and working for DoorDash means he is going to different homes, which means he could potentially be around children.”

Mosley argued that the stay-away order is “overbroad.”

“This is not a case where he [Blake] has a history of abusing children. This seems to be an incident where he was taking care of a specific child that they knew. He is presumed to be innocent,” Mosley said.

Judge Ryan agreed with the prosecution that Blake working for DoorDash is conflicting because he could potentially come in contact with children, but said he should be able to attend job interviews and get a full-time job.

“I’m willing to say that Mr. Blake should be allowed out of the house for targeted attempts to find a job as long as he verifies with his pretrial representative where he is going, “Judge Ryan said.

Judge Ryan authorized Blake to look for employment on weekdays from 9 a. m.-to-12 p. m.

Parties are slated to reconvene on April 3, 2026.

Document: MPD Investigating DC-295 Fatal Crash

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced an investigation into a fatal crash on DC-295 that occurred on Dec. 2. Franyana Williams, 40, was identified as the deceased driver of a Mercedes E350, which was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes and collided with an Audi Q7. The Audi’s driver was critically injured and taken to a local hospital.